Jobless claimants fall by 1,000 in South Tyneside

David Allison

The number of people in South Tyneside claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen by more than 1,000 in the past year, new figures have shown.

Research from the Office for National Statistics showed that 3,715 people from the borough were found to be claiming the benefit in July, down from 4,610 in the same month last year.

These are very encouraging figures.

Janet McKee, of the Department for Work and Pensions

Last month’s figure is also lower than June’s number of 3,749.

Janet McKee, from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), said: “Employment for people of all ages in South Tyneside is down by 19% and for those aged 18 to 24 it is down by 23%.

“These are very encouraging figures.”

The UK unemployment rate for the three months ending in June was still the highest in the North East at 8.1%.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: “Thanks to our long-term economic plan, the number of young people claiming unemployment benefits in the North East has more than halved over the past five years.

“Today’s figures show job vacancies at a near-record high – evidence of the continued confidence of British businesses, and potential for further growth in the UK economy.”

The DWP has also now launched the #WEcan work experience campaign to help young people gain business skills.